BCCC & BCFL Library Access FAQ

Bucks County Community College library materials are no longer listed in the public library catalog of Bucks County Public Libraries, and public library materials are no longer listed in the college library catalog. Bucks County Community College student records are no longer listed in the public library database, and public library patron records are no longer listed in the college database. The college system is completely separate from the public library system, including Workflows and other staff functions.

The purpose of this FAQ is to provide answers to public library staff and users regarding mutual access to college and public library services and materials.

1. Can Bucks County public library users search the college library catalog? Can community college students search the public library catalog?

Any Bucks County library user, in fact, anyone in the world, may search the college catalog simply by going to the college website. The same is true for library users who want to search the public library catalog. A link to the college website is available on the public library website.  A link to the public library website is available on the college library website.

2. Does the Bucks County Community College allow Bucks County residents to use the college library? What library privileges do residents of Bucks County who are not students have at the college library?

Residents who are not college students may use the college libraries during posted hours. Circulating materials may be checked out by using a college issued Community Library Card. Residents may apply for a Community Library Card at the Bucks County Community College Library circulation desk.

Resident use of the college library by non-students is governed entirely by college policy and funding regulations, and not by public library policy and funding regulations.

Public patrons may request college materials through their local public libraries.

3.  Can community college library users still check out materials from a public library and use public library databases?

If, after searching the public library catalog on the public library website, a community college library user knows that a public library owns a desired book, the user may go to the public library and use a public library card to check out the book or the user may have the community college library request that book.  

Community college students who do not already have a public library card may apply for one at any Bucks County public library.  Community College students may not use a college library card to check out materials from the public library.

Anyone with a valid public library card may borrow material and use public library databases.

4. How can a community college student get a public library card?

Community college students who are Bucks County residents are entitled to and may apply for public library cards in the same fashion as all other Bucks County residents.

Community college students who are Pennsylvania residents (but not Bucks County residents) may apply for Access PA library cards and privileges in the same fashion as all other Pennsylvania residents.

Community college students who are not Pennsylvania residents may apply for and be issued non-resident cards based on their registration at a Bucks County college. These non-resident cards will be valid for the duration of the current Bucks County Community College semester.

5. Where do I return my material?

Any materials checked out from the college library should be returned to the college library.  College library material may not be returned to a public library.

Any materials checked out from a public library should be returned to any public library in Bucks County.  Public library material may not be returned to the community college library.

6. Where do I pay my library fines?

College library fines must be paid at the college library.  They cannot be paid at a public library.

Public library fines may be paid at any public library in Bucks County.  They cannot be paid at the community college library.

7. Why have these changes occurred?

The public and college library have shared an electronic catalog and materials since 1988. In the past, the catalog features and services provided by library software vendors were exactly the same for college libraries and public libraries. Current vendors are now providing different computer catalog features and services for college and public libraries that are strongly tailored to the unique and different needs of college library users versus those of public library users, as well as the unique policy requirements of college libraries versus those of public libraries.